7 Christmas Dinner Ideas With Ham and Crowd-Pleasing Sides

When it comes to Christmas dinner, ham always steals the spotlight for me. There’s something about its rich flavors that pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. I love experimenting with different glazes and accompaniments. If you’re looking to elevate your holiday meal, these seven unique ham ideas paired with crowd-pleasing sides could be just what you need. Let me share a few of my favorite combinations that will surely impress your guests.

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Glazed Ham With Honey-Bourbon Carrots

festive glazed ham recipe

Glazed ham with honey-bourbon carrots is a festive dish that combines the savory richness of glazed ham with the sweet and aromatic flavors of honey and bourbon-infused carrots. This recipe is perfect for a holiday dinner, as it not only looks impressive but also offers a delightful harmony of flavors that will leave your guests asking for seconds.

Ingredients Quantity
Bone-in ham 4-5 pounds
Brown sugar 1 cup
Honey 1/2 cup
Dijon mustard 1/4 cup
Ground cloves 1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Carrots 1 pound
Bourbon 1/4 cup
Butter 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Prepare the Ham: Place the bone-in ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1 inch apart. This will allow the glaze to soak in and create a beautiful caramelization.
  3. Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Stir the mixture until the sugar is dissolved and everything is well combined. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Glaze the Ham: Brush half of the prepared glaze over the surface of the ham, ensuring that it gets into the scored cuts. Reserve the remaining glaze for later use.
  5. Bake the Ham: Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Baste the ham with the reserved glaze every 30 minutes to create a shiny, sticky coating.
  6. Prepare the Carrots: While the ham is baking, peel and slice the carrots into uniform pieces. You can cut them into sticks or rounds, depending on your preference.
  7. Cook the Carrots: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced carrots and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
  8. Add Bourbon and Honey: Carefully add the bourbon to the skillet with the carrots, then drizzle in the honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to coat the carrots evenly in the honey-bourbon mixture.
  9. Simmer the Carrots: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the carrots simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender and the sauce has thickened.
  10. Serve: Once the ham is fully cooked and glazed, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve the sliced ham alongside the honey-bourbon carrots for a festive and flavorful holiday meal. Enjoy!
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Smoked Ham With Garlic Mashed Potatoes

smoked ham with garlic mashed potatoes

Smoked ham with garlic mashed potatoes is a comforting and hearty dish that embodies the essence of a classic holiday meal. The smoky and savory flavors of the ham pair perfectly with the creamy, buttery garlic mashed potatoes, creating a satisfying experience that’s certain to impress your guests at the dinner table.

Ingredients Quantity
Smoked ham 4-5 pounds
Garlic 4 cloves
Potatoes 2 pounds
Butter 1/2 cup
Milk 1/2 cup
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Fresh parsley For garnish (optional)

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to prepare for baking the smoked ham.
  2. Prepare the Ham: Place the smoked ham in a roasting pan. If desired, score the top of the ham in a diamond pattern, which will allow for better caramelization.
  3. Bake the Ham: Cook the ham in the preheated oven for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). For additional flavor, you may brush the ham with a mixture of honey and mustard before baking, if you wish.
  4. Peel and Cut Potatoes: While the ham is baking, peel the potatoes and cut them into even chunks (about 1 to 2 inches wide). This guarantees they cook evenly.
  5. Cook the Potatoes: Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
  6. Prepare Garlic: While the potatoes are cooking, peel the garlic cloves and finely mince them.
  7. Sauté Garlic: In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  8. Mash the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are tender, drain them and return them to the pot. Add the sautéed garlic, butter, and milk to the potatoes.
  9. Season and Mash: Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until smooth and creamy. Adjust the texture by adding more milk if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve: Once the ham is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve the smoked ham with a generous portion of garlic mashed potatoes on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy the comforting combination of smoked ham and garlic mashed potatoes at your holiday dinner!

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Baked Ham With Pineapple-Cherry Chutney

festive ham with chutney

Baked ham with pineapple-cherry chutney is a festive and flavorful dish that adds a delightful sweet and tangy twist to the traditional ham. The combination of juicy pineapple and tart cherries enhances the richness of the baked ham, creating a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table that is sure to wow your guests.

Ingredients Quantity
Bone-in baked ham 4-5 pounds
Pineapple, chopped (fresh or canned) 1 cup
Dried cherries 1/2 cup
Brown sugar 1/2 cup
Apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup
Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons
Ground ginger 1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Cloves (optional) 1/4 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Fresh mint, for garnish For garnish (optional)

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Prepare the Ham: Place the baked ham in a large roasting pan. If desired, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern to allow for better glaze adherence.
  3. Mix the Chutney: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped pineapple, dried cherries, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and cloves (if using). Stir to combine.
  4. Cook the Chutney: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chutney has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool.
  5. Glaze the Ham: Once the chutney has cooled down, brush about half of it onto the surface of the ham, ensuring it fills in the scored areas. Reserve the other half for later use.
  6. Bake the Ham: Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Baste the ham with the reserved chutney every 20-30 minutes to enhance the flavor and glaze.
  7. Rest the Ham: Once the ham is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making it easier to slice.
  8. Slice and Serve: After resting, slice the ham and serve it on a platter, accompanied by the remaining pineapple-cherry chutney. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.

Enjoy the delightful flavors of this baked ham with pineapple-cherry chutney as a centerpiece for your holiday celebration!

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Honey-Maple Ham With Roasted Brussels Sprouts

honey maple glazed ham recipe

Honey-Maple Ham with Roasted Brussels Sprouts is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. The glaze made from honey and maple syrup adds a caramelized sweetness to the ham, while the roasted Brussels sprouts provide a crisp and earthy contrast. Together, they create a comforting and festive dish that’s perfect for your holiday table.

Ingredients Quantity
Bone-in ham 4-5 pounds
Honey 1/2 cup
Maple syrup 1/4 cup
Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons
Ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Black pepper To taste
Brussels sprouts 1.5 pounds
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Fresh thyme (optional) For garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Prepare the Ham: Place the bone-in ham in a large roasting pan, and if desired, score the surface in a diagonal pattern to enhance the glaze absorption.
  3. Make the Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine honey, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper to taste. Whisk the ingredients until they are thoroughly blended.
  4. Glaze the Ham: Brush half of the honey-maple glaze over the surface of the ham. Make sure to get the glaze into the scored areas for maximum flavor.
  5. Bake the Ham: Transfer the glazed ham to the preheated oven, and allow it to bake for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Baste the ham every 30 minutes with the remaining glaze to develop a rich, caramelized exterior. The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
  6. Prepare Brussels Sprouts: While the ham is baking, rinse the Brussels sprouts and cut off the ends. Slice them in half if they’re large. In a bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  7. Roast the Brussels Sprouts: About 30 minutes before the ham is done, spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place them in the oven alongside the ham, and roast for 20-25 minutes until they are tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through.
  8. Let the Ham Rest: Once the ham is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute within the ham for better slicing.
  9. Serve: After resting, slice the ham and serve it on a platter alongside the roasted Brussels sprouts. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired, and enjoy your delicious Honey-Maple Ham with Roasted Brussels Sprouts!
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Mustard-Glazed Ham With Scalloped Potatoes

mustard glazed ham scalloped potatoes

Mustard-Glazed Ham with Scalloped Potatoes is a delightful and comforting dish that brings out the rich flavors of the ham while perfectly complementing it with creamy, cheesy potatoes. The tangy mustard glaze adds a burst of flavor to the ham, making it an impressive centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Coupled with the satisfying layers of scalloped potatoes, this dish is sure to please everyone at your Christmas dinner.

Ingredients Quantity
Bone-in ham 4-5 pounds
Dijon mustard 1/2 cup
Brown sugar 1/4 cup
Honey 1/4 cup
Ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon
Ground black pepper To taste
Scalloped potatoes (potatoes) 2 pounds
Heavy cream 2 cups
Cheddar cheese (shredded) 2 cups
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Butter 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish) For garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the Ham: Place the bone-in ham in a large roasting pan. If you prefer, you can score the surface in a crisscross pattern to enhance glaze penetration.
  3. Make the Mustard Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, brown sugar, honey, ground cloves, and black pepper until well combined.
  4. Glaze the Ham: Brush the glaze generously over the surface of the ham, ensuring to get it into the scored areas. Save some glaze for basting later.
  5. Bake the Ham: Place the glazed ham in the preheated oven and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes. The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
  6. Prepare Scalloped Potatoes: While the ham is baking, wash and peel the potatoes. Slice them thinly (about 1/8 inch thick). In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  7. Assemble the Scalloped Potatoes: In a greased baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes. Pour the heavy cream over the layers, and sprinkle with salt and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on the top.
  8. Bake the Scalloped Potatoes: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the oven alongside the ham for about 45-50 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
  9. Let the Ham Rest: Once the ham has finished baking, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This will help the juices redistribute and keep the ham moist.
  10. Serve: Serve the sliced ham alongside the scalloped potatoes, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious Mustard-Glazed Ham with creamy scalloped potatoes!
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Herb-Crusted Ham With Green Bean Almondine

herb crusted ham delightfully festive

Herb-Crusted Ham with Green Bean Almondine is a flavorful and elegant dish that makes for a wonderful Christmas dinner centerpiece. The ham is coated with a mixture of fragrant herbs that create a crispy crust while keeping the meat moist and tender. Paired with green beans sautéed with almonds, this dish not only looks festive but also delivers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will impress your guests.

Ingredients Quantity
Bone-in ham 4-5 pounds
Fresh rosemary (chopped) 2 tablespoons
Fresh thyme (chopped) 2 tablespoons
Fresh parsley (chopped) 1 tablespoon
Garlic (minced) 4 cloves
Olive oil 1/4 cup
Dijon mustard 1/4 cup
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Fresh green beans 1 pound
Sliced almonds 1/2 cup
Lemon juice 1 tablespoon
Butter 2 tablespoons

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Prepare the Herb Crust: In a bowl, combine the chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, minced garlic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a herb paste.
  3. Prepare the Ham: Place the bone-in ham in a large roasting pan. If desired, you can score the surface to allow the herb mixture to penetrate the meat.
  4. Apply the Herb Crust: Spread the herb paste liberally over the surface of the ham, ensuring to cover it evenly.
  5. Bake the Ham: Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Baste the ham occasionally with the pan juices to keep it moist.
  6. Prepare the Green Bean Almondine: While the ham is baking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh green beans and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking.
  7. Sauté the Green Beans: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the blanched green beans and sauté for about 5 minutes. Stir in the sliced almonds and cook until they are golden brown and fragrant.
  8. Finish the Green Beans: Squeeze lemon juice over the green beans and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss to combine.
  9. Serve the Dish: Once the ham is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. Serve the slices of herb-crusted ham alongside the green bean almondine for a festive meal. Enjoy!
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Orange-Glazed Ham With Sweet Potato Casserole

festive ham and casserole

Orange-Glazed Ham with Sweet Potato Casserole is a festive and delicious dish that embodies the warmth and flavors of the holiday season. The ham, infused with a sweet and tangy orange glaze, creates a stunning centerpiece, while the sweet potato casserole adds a rich and comforting side that is sure to please your guests. Together, they make for a memorable Christmas dinner that brings everyone together around the table.

Ingredients Quantity
Bone-in ham 4-5 pounds
Fresh orange juice 1 cup
Brown sugar 1/2 cup
Honey 1/4 cup
Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon
Cloves (ground or whole) 1/2 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Sweet potatoes 4 large
Butter 1/2 cup (1 stick)
Milk 1/2 cup
Marshmallows 1 cup
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Prepare the Orange Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Ham: Place the bone-in ham in a large roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep to allow the glaze to penetrate.
  4. Apply the Orange Glaze: Brush a generous amount of the orange glaze over the surface of the ham, ensuring to cover it evenly. Reserve some glaze for basting later.
  5. Bake the Ham: Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Every 30 minutes, baste the ham with the reserved glaze to enhance flavor and moisture.
  6. Prepare the Sweet Potato Casserole: While the ham is baking, peel and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot.
  7. Mash the Sweet Potatoes: Add the butter, milk, and vanilla extract to the cooked sweet potatoes. Mash everything together with a potato masher until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste.
  8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the mashed sweet potatoes into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
  9. Top with Marshmallows: Sprinkle the marshmallows evenly over the top of the sweet potato mixture.
  10. Bake the Casserole: Once the ham has about 30 minutes left in the oven, place the sweet potato casserole in the oven as well. Bake until the marshmallows are golden brown and the casserole is heated through, about 25-30 minutes.
  11. Serve: After everything is cooked, let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve the ham with the sweet potato casserole on the side for a delightful Christmas dinner experience.